10 things to know before adopting a pet during the holiday season

When deciding what pet will best fit your home or family, there's more to consider than how adorable they are. With most pets, consider factors like size, grooming needs, and how well they will get along with other pets already in the home. There are also animal-specific considerations like temperament and activity level for dogs or how easily the home can be adapted to meet the feline need to scratch and explore.

Before bringing a new pet home, purchasing all the necessary supplies—food, bowls, treats, leashes, beds, litter boxes, and more—is essential. Take time in advance to establish who will be responsible for tasks like feeding the pet each day, walking the dog, or cleaning the cat's litter box. It's also a good idea to find a veterinarian and research local trainers and pet sitters, just in case you require those services in the future.

Just like humans, pets have routine medical needs—annual check-ups, required vaccinations, medications—and unexpected health issues that should be factored into household budgets. For dogs, expenses can include an average of $242 on routine vet appointments, $81 on vitamins, and $458 on surgical vet visits annually, according to the 2021-2022 National Pet Owners Survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association. Cat care is slightly less, with an average of $178 on routine vet appointments, $47 on vitamins, and $201 on surgical vet visits.

Giving a puppy or kitten to a loved one sounds exciting, but many animal shelters and rescue organizations report an increased number of animals handed over after the holidays. Before surprising someone with an animal as a gift, talk to them and be sure they are prepared to take on the responsibility of bringing a pet into their home.

Each year, approximately 920,000 animals are euthanized in shelters, a significant drop from 2.6 million in 2011. Choosing to adopt instead of buying from breeders or pet stores will help ensure this number continues to decrease.

Instead of gifting a pet for the holidays, consider printing a certificate for adoption; this puts the commitment in writing but allows the recipient to pick out the pet that best suits them. To make the gift extra special, select a few treats, toys, or pet supplies to give along with the certificate.

The hustle and bustle of the holiday season often means extra noise, people, and activity in many households. To help pets adapt to their new home, ensure they have plenty of time and space away from such celebrations. This will help decrease fear of their new surroundings and provide adequate time for them to rest.

In addition to allowing pets time to acclimate to their new home and rest, it is essential to spend quality time together. Don't allow holiday celebrations to take priority over a new pet. With children out of school and many adults off work, there are plenty of opportunities to begin training and bonding with your new friend.

When it comes to potty training and crate training, structure and routine are extremely important for new pets. Being flexible but consistent also helps pets know they will receive the food, water, exercise, play, and affection they need to thrive. Starting these routines during the holiday season makes pets feel safe and acclimated to their new surroundings more easily.

The holidays can be chaotic, so waiting until January to adopt a new pet could be a good way to go. Consider how often guests will be coming and going or if there are plans to travel or spend extra time outside the home. If so, this may cause a new pet undue stress that can be avoided by waiting until the new year to adopt.